Ribbon inking device



Nov. 17, 1931. E. o. ECKLAND ET AL RIBBON INKING DEVICE Filed March 9, 1929 3 Sheets-Sheet Wis 1931. E. o. ECKLAND ET AL 1,832,007

RIBBON INKING DEVICE Filed March 9, 1929 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Inventory Em! flEM/a/za" wa /H2211 Jim Nov. 17, 1931.

E. O. ECKLAND ET AL.

RIBBON INKING DEVICE Filed Maz ch 9. 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Q Imfe Rim.

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Patented Nov. 17, 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE RIBBON mxme nnvrcn Application filed March 9,

The invention relates to improvements in inking devices and particularly to a novel inking device adapted to be mounted in an addressograph or other machines employing an inking ribbon for distributing ink to the type plate employed therein.

The embodiment which has been chosen to illustratethe invention is an addressograph machine, but it should be understood that many features of the present invention are of general application and the invention is not confined to use with addressograph machines but may be adapted to other printing devices employing ink ribbons.

In addressograph machines of this character, the inking ribbon employed therein is mounted on reels whereby said ribbon is moved laterally from one reel to the other during the operation thereof. As inking ribbons are costly and inconvenient to install, it is desirable to provide suitable means for supplying ink to said ribbons while they are in use to lengthen the life of same.

The present invention contemplates the provision of means for supplying ink to the inking ribbon, said ink preferably being deposited thereon at points between the lines of contact of the type plate therewith and, on the side of the type plate or otherimpression device where said ribbon is beingwound on the reel after having passed beneath said type plate. This particular mode of inking the ribbon has the'advantage of preventing blurred impressions being recorded by the type plate such as would result if ink were view through an addresso-graph machine, 85

deposited on the ribbon in direct line with the lines .of type just before the ribbon comes into contact with the type.

It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide a novel automati inking device for supplying ink to the inking ribbon of a machine for making printed impressions, in

such a manner that the ink deposited thereon r is distributed therethrough before the inked portion of the inking ribbon is brought into operative engagement with the type plate thereof.

Another object of the invention is to provide an automatic inking device of the character described which is automatically ren- 1929. Serial No. 845,657.

dered' inoperative during the return movement of the distributing ribbon to prevent the inking device from inkin the ribbon as itlis fed in the opposite directlon of the type ate.

p Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel inking device, for addressograph machines, having a distributing miember therein for depositing ink on the inking ribbon of said machine at regular intervals and in predetermined quantities to prevent oversaturation of said ribbon.

Another object of this invention resides in the provision of a novel inking device having the distributing member removably 5 mounted therein to permit the employment of other types of members for inking the ribbon according to the requirements of the Work to be done.

Another object of the invention resides in the provision of a novel inkin device which is positive in operation and inexpensive to manufacture or maintain.

Another. object of the invention to provide an inking device which may readily be attached to addressograph machines as an accessory, or may be mounted therein as a permanent part thereof,

These and such other objects of the present invention will be more readily understood from a perusal of the following specification, reference being had to the accompanving drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic vertical sectional showing the improved inking devices mounted therein.

Fig. 2 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view through the novel inking device.

Fig. 3 is a horizontal plan view of the inking device, the inking ribbon of the addressegraph being shown in part.

Fig. 4 is a vertical central sectional view, similar to Fig. 2, of a modified form of inking device.

Fig, 5 is a transversal sectional view, taken on the planeof the line 5--5 of ig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 5,

showing another modified form of the pres- 10o ent invention.

Fig. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view distributing member particularly adaptedfor use when making five line impressions.

Fig. 10 is another modified form of distributing member for use in making four line impressions.

Fig. 11 is still another modified form of dis ributing member.

Fig. 12 shows another modification of a distributing member.

Fig. 13 shows a modified form of a convevor member which ma be employed in the inking dev ce shown in Figures 4 and 5.

The addressograph machine. shown in part in Fig. 1. consists of a frame member 11 having inking ribbon reels 12 and 12a, rotatably mounted on opposite sides of an impression device. which may comprise the type 14 carried by the tvpe plate 15. These reels are pos tively rotated by the mechanism of said machine. and have secured thereto the ends of a distributing ribbon 13. This ribbon is fed from one reel to the other during the operation of the machine, thereby presenting a new surface to the face of the type 14 on the type plate 15. The type plate 15 preferablv is carried on a head 16 mounted for vertical reciprocation on the machine whereby upon descent of said head, impressions are recorded by the type 14 on envelopes. or the like, placed on a bed plate 17 beneath the horizontally disposed portion of the inking ribbon 13.

It will readily be understood that after the ribbon 13 has been intermittently fed between the reels 12 and 12a many times. the supply of ink therein is considerably reduced. particularly since type 14 contacts said ribbon in substantially the same longitudinal line upon each depression thereof, thus resulting in the impressions becoming fainter and fainter.

Suitable means is provided to supply ink to said inking ribbon by the provision of a pair of novel inking devices 18. These novel inking devices are of such construction that ink is supplied to the inking ribbon only during the operation of said .maehine and at such points that the newly deposited ink will have sufficient time to spread throughout said ribbon before the inked portion thereof is moved into position for engagement by the type plate 15. To attain this result it is necessary that the ink be supplied to the ribbon after it moves from beneath the type plate, as for example, between the type plate and the reel towards which the ribbon is being fed, as inmit attachment to the housing 11 of the addressograph. Extending inwardly and upwardly from the lower end of the side wall 22 and from the bottom 23, of the inking device, are a plurality of webs or flanges 24. These flanges are spaced apart and are provided with aligned apertures 25 adapted to receive therein a pin 26. Freely mounted on said pin, between the spaced webs 24, are a plurality of arms 27 formed of rectangular strap members each provided on its free end with a rotatably mounted conveyor member 28.

The inside face of each of the end Walls 29, of the ink well, is provided with a centrally disposed vertical slot 31 which extends downwardly a short distance from the top edge thereof. Communicating with the lower end of said vertically disposed slots 31 are horizontally disposed slots or recesses 32. These recesses extend a short distance on each side of the centrally located slot 31 and are adapted to receive therein a bearing pin 33, provided therefor on the ends of the distributing member 34. This provides a mounting for the distributor member which permits said member to be moved horizontally into and out of operative engagement with the conveyor members 28 by means of the movement of the ink ribbon 13, so that either of the inking devices may be operated automatically and selectively, depending upon the direction of feed of the ribbon.

When the inking ribbon moves in the direction of the arrows indicated in Fig. 1, the distributing member 34, rolls upon the bottom of the slot 22 in the inking device 18, and is moved towards the left into contact with the conveyor members 28. while the distributing member 34, in the inking device 18a, moves out of contact with the conveyor members therein. Upon a reversal in the direction of movement of the inking ribbon 13 the reverse condition takes place, the inking device 18 being rendered inoperative while that at 18a is placed in operation. With this construction ink is never applied to the inking ribbon immediately before that part of the ribbon moves into position for cooperation with the type plate. The ink deposited on the ribbon also has a sufficient amount of time to spread out over a large area by capillary attraction.

When the inking devices are employed on a machine having type plates provided with six rows of type it is preferable to employ the distributing member 84, said wheel having a plurality of shallow recesses 35 on the circumferential face thereof. These recesses are arranged in a plurality of annular-1y aligned groups, each aligned group being staggered relative to the others. It is through engagement of the teeth 36, of the star-shaped conveyor members 28, with said recesses that said conveyor members are rotated. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the conveyor members are yieldingly urged upwardly into contact with the distributing member by flat springs 40, mounted in the ink well, having engagement with each of the strap members or arms 27.

As the lower ends of the conveyor members 28 are emerged in ink at all times, each tooth 36 will dip into theink and carry a minute quantity of ink which ink is deposited in the recesses 35 upon contact therewith and, when the distributing member contacts the ribbon, the ink insaid recesses is deposited thereon. As shown, particularly in Fig. 3, recesses and conveyor members are'so positioned relative to the ribbon 13 that the supply of ink is deposited on the latter at points between the lines of contact of the type'14 therewith. This prevents any possibility of an oversupply of ink contacting said type. The provision of the staggered relation of the recesses 35 further aids in the even distribution of the ink on said inking ribbon.

When employing typeplates having but five lines of type, it is preferable that the distributing member shown in Fig. 9 be employed, said member having fewer recesses therein, thus depositing ink on the distributor ribbon only where required. The annular recess 36 provided in said distributing member permits the star-shaped conveyor wheel 28 in alignment therewith, to remain inoperative. The distributing member shown in Fig. 10 is preferable for use when four lines of type are provided on the type plate, said member having a pair of annular recesses 36a therein.

The distributing member of the type shown in Fig. 11 preferably is formed of two end members 38 having a plurality of evenly spaced tie rods 39 connecting them together, which tie rods engage between the teeth 36 of the star-shaped spaced conveyor members 28 to rotate the latter and convey, ink therefrom to the inking ribbon. This type of a distributing member also deposits ink on the inking ribbon in minute quantities because of the spacing of the star-shaped conveyor members 28, but, each-quantity is deposited thereon in transverse alignment with the adjacent quantity. I I

The distributing wheel shown in Fig. 12, is adapted for use when making six line impressions, but is of such construction that the conveyor members 28 are only partially ro-" -'tated upon each complete rotation thereof.

This is provided for by the provision of a plurality of substantially annular recesses 41 on the circumferential face of the distributing member, each recess having a shoulder 42 for engaging between the teeth 36 of the conveyor member 28, in a manner similar to the operation of the tie'rods 39 of the distributing member shown in Fig. 11. The foregoing construction is adapted to deposit ink on the inking ribbon 13 in very small quantities.

It will be noted that the various types of distributing members 34 are each provided with knurled surfaces 43 adjacent each end thereof, which knurled surfaces insures rotation of said members by frictional contact with the inking ribbon 13.

, In the inking device illustrated in Figs. 4 4

and 5, a distributing member 44 is provided having a smooth circumferential face except for the knurled portions 43 at the ends there of. This distributing member is adapted to be mounted in the ink well 45 in such a manner as to have permanent engagement with a plurality of knife edged conveyor members 46, which are rigidly secured on the rotatable shaft 47. also journaled in the ink well 45 below said distributing member. Gears 48 and 49 are mounted on shafts 51 and 47 re spectively to provide suitable means for positively rotating the conveyor members 46 in unison with the distributing member 44.

The foregoing type of inking device de scribed provides for continuous lines of ink being deposited upon the inkingribbon 13,

which lines of ink are deposited thereon between the lines of contact of the type 14, as in the other forms of the invention. 7 If desired conveyor members 46 as shown in Fig. 13, may be employed in this form of inking device. This type "of conveyor member deposits ink upon the circumferential face of the distributing member 44 at predetermined intervals.

Another inking device of similar constructionis shown in Figs. 6 and 7, which device employs a distributing member 54 having recesses 55 arranged on the surface thereof at irregular intervals. These recesses are engaged by the teeth 57 of the conveyor members 56 which wheels are rotatably mounted on a shaft 58 journaled in the end walls of the ink well 45. During the inoperative position of the conveyor members 56 thev are rigidly held against rotation by the cylindrical surface of the distributing member 54. It will be noted that the inking devices shown in Figs. 4 and 6 are not rendered inoperative by a change in the direction of movement of the inking ribbon, and because they are in co disclosed may, with few exceptions, be applied to the modified forms of inking devices without impairin the efliciencv thereof, and the conveyor members 46 and 56, togetherwith their companion distributing members 44 and 54, may be applied to the inking device shown in Fig. 2.

From the foregoing, it can be readily understood that an inking device is provided for insuring a constant supply of ink being deposited on the distributin ribbon of the addressograph. As ink is deposited thereon in minute quantities and at predetermined intervals in some instances, there is no possibility of oversaturating the ribbon and causing blurred impressions to be recorded. The yielding mounting of the conveyor members 28 insures operative engagement of said members with the distributing member 34 when the. latter is in operative position.

It also will be noted that ink is deposited on the distributing ribbon at points out of alignment with the type, said ink then spreading throughoutthe entire ribbon by capillary attraction. In this manner the ribbon is thoroughly inked without having a surplus amount on the under surface thereof.

Although several forms of the invention have been shown in the accompanying drawings and described in detail in the foregoing specification, it is to be understood that various other modifications may be embodied without departing from the spirit of the invention nor the scope of'the appended claims.

\Ve claim:

1. An inking device of the character described, adapted to be mounted in a machine having an inking ribbon cooperating with a type plate for making printed impressions, having in combination, ink transferring means associated therewith for transferring ink to said ribbon between the lines of contact of said type plate therewith, and means associated with said ink transferring means for rendering the latter inoperative upon a reversal of direction of movement of said ribbon.

2. A device of the character described, com prising, in combination, an ink well, conveyor means mounted in said ink well, distributing means operatively engaging said conveyor means, and means for mounting said distributing means in said ink well to effect automatic disengagement thereof with said conveyormeans.

3. A device of the character described comprising, in combination, an ink well, a conveyormember mounted in said ink well, rotatable distributing means adapted to be operatively engaged with the conveyor member, said distributing means being slidably mounted in said ink well to permit disengagement thereof with said conveyor member, upon a reversal of direction of rotation of said distributing means.

4. A device of the character described adapted to be attached to a machine having a ribbon cooperating with a type plate, havmg in combination, an ink well, a conveyor member yieldingly mounted in said ink well, a distributing member slidably and rotatably mounted in said ink well, said distributing member being frictionally rotated and moved into and out of operative engagement with said conveyor member by said ribbon.

5. A device of the character described adapted to be attached to a machine having a ribbon cooperating with a type plate, having in combination, an ink well, a conveyor member yieldingly mounted in said ink well, a distributing member operatively engaging said conveyor wheel, said distributing memher having means on its periphery for transferring ink from the conveyor member to the ribbon, and means for mounting said distributing member in the ink well to permit disengagement of the former from the conveyor member. I

6. A device of the character described adapted to be attached to amachine having a ribbon cooperating with a type plate, having in combination, an ink well, a conveyor member, having teeth formed on the circumferential edge thereof, yieldingly mounted in said ink well; a distributing member, having frictional contact with said ribbon, slidably and rotatably mounted in said ink well; recesses on the circumferential face of said distributing member for engaging the teeth of said conveyor member when the distributing wheel is moved to operative position by said ribbon, said ribbon rotating the distributing member and the conveyor wheel to transfer ink from the ink well to the ribbon.

7. An inking device for supplying ink to a ribbon on an addressograph machine comprising, in combination, a substantially rectangular ink well, a conveyor member rotatably mounted in said ink well, a distributing member having fractional contact with said ribbon operatively engaging said conveyor member, and mounting means in said ink well for said distributing member to permit the latter to be moved out of engagement with the conveyor member upon a reversal in the direction of movement of said ribbon.

8. An inking device of the character described adapted to be mounted on an addressograph machine having an inking ribbon cooperating with a type plate, comprising in combination, a substantially rectangular ink well, a distributing member rotatably mounted in said ink well adapted to be engaged and rotated by said ribbon, a plurality of starshaped conveyor members rotatably mounted in said ink well having a portion thereof emerged-in ink therein, a plurality of recesses on the circumferential face of said distributing member operatively engaging said star-shaped conveyor members whereby the latter are rotated to effect the transfer of ink from said ink well to said distributing member, said distributing wheel depositing said ink on the inkng ribbon at points between the lines of contact of the type plate therewith.

9. A device of the character described adapted to be mounted in a machine having an inking ribbon cooperating with a type plate for making printed impressions, having in combination, an ink well, a distribut ing member mounted in said ink well, a con veyor member in said ink well operatively engaging said distributing member, said distributin wheel and conveyor member being actuated by frictional contact of the former with the inking ribbon, and means associated with said distributing member whereby the latter is rendered inoperative, upon a reversal 8f direction of movement of said inking rib- 10. An inking device for supplying ink to an inking ribbon on an addressograph machine, comprising, in combination, a substantially rectangular ink well, a conveyor member rotatably mounted in said ink well, a horizontal bearing surface on each end wall of said ink well, a distributing member rotatably mounted in said bearings having frictional contact with said inking ribbon and operatively engaging said conveyor member, and means for slidingly moving said distributing member out of engagement with said conveyor member.

11. A device for depositing ink on a movable inking ribbon, comprising in combination, an ink well, conveyor means rotatably mounted in said ink well, distributing means operatively associated with said conveyor means for depositing ink on said inking rib-' bon, and means for rendering said distributing means inoperative upon a reversal of direction of movement of said inking ribbon.

12. In a printing device, the combination of an impression device having spaces between the points of impression, with a ribbon for engagement with said impression device, and means for supplying minute quantities of ink to said ribbon at points on said ribbon adapted to register with said spaces between said points of impression of said impression device.

13. In a printing device, the combination of an impression device having spaces between the points of impression, with a ribhon for engagement with said impression device, and means for supplying minute quantities of ink to said ribbon at points on said ribbon adapted to register with said spaces between said points of impression of said impression vdevice, said meansbeing located to apply ink to that part ofthe ribbon being fed to a su ply reel or the like.

14. n a printing device, the combination of an impression device having spaces between the points of impression, with a ribbon for engagement with said impression device, and means for supplying minute quantities of ink to said ribbon at points on said ribbon adapted to register with said spaces between said points of impression of said impression device, said means being located to apply ink to that part of the ribbon being fed to a supply reel or the like, and means for rendering said inking device inoperative on reversal of the direction of feed of said ribbon.

15. In a printing device, the combination of an impression device with a ribbon for engagement with said impression device, a reel Ior receiving said ribbon, an inking device for supplying minute quantities of ink to spaced points on said ribbon, said inking device being located to apply ink to that part of said ribbon being fed to said reel, and means for rendering said inking device inoperative n on a reversal of the direction of feed of sald ribbon.

r 16. An inking device for inking ribbons of printing devices comprising a reservoir adapted to hold a supply of ink, a distributing member slidably and rotatably mounted in said reservoir and adapted to be engaged by a ribbon and means for transferring minute quantities of ink to spaced points on said distributing member.

17. An inking device for inking ribbons of printing devices comprising a reservoir adapted to hold a supply of ink, a distributing member slidably and rotatably mounted in said reservoir and adapted to be engaged by a ribbon and means for transferring minute quantities of ink to spaced points on said distributing member comprising a rotatable member having a point adapted to dip in said ink and engage a part of said member to transfer ink to said member.

18. An inking device for inking ribbons of' printing devices comprising a reservoir adapted to hold a supply of ink, a distributing member slidably and rotatably mounted in said reservoir and adapted to be engaged by a ribbon, a plurality of shoulders formed on said distributing member, and an ink transferring member rotatably engaging said distributing member and adapted to dip in said ink and transfer ink to said shoulders by contact therewith.

19. A device of the character described adapted to to be attached to a machine havmg a ribbon cooperating with a type plate, having in combination, an ink well, a conveyor member, having teeth formed on the circumferential edge thereof, yieldingly mounted in said ink well a distributing member, having frictional contact with said ribbon, slidably and rotatably mounted in said ink well recesses on the circumferential face of said distributing member for engaging the teeth of said conveyor member when the distributing member is moved to operative position by said ribbon, said ribbon rotating the distributing member and the conveyor member to transfer ink from the ink well to the ribbon, and means for movably and resilient 1y supporting said conveyor member in said fiservoir to engage said distributing mem- 20. An inking device for inking ribbons of printing devices comprising a reservoir adapted to hold a su ply of ink, a distributing member rotatab y mounted in said reservoir and adapted to be engaged by a ribbon, a plurality of shoulders formed on said distributing member, and a plurality of 10 toothed conveyor members for dipping in said ink and engaging said shoulders to deposit minute uantities of ink on said distributing mem er in position between points of impression of lines of type.

1 21. An inking device for inking ribbons of printin devices comprising a reservoir adapte to hold a supply of ink, a distributing member rotatably mounted in said reservoir and adapted to be engaged by a ribbon,

means for transferring minute uantities of ink to spaced points on said distri uting member said means being operatively connected with said member, and means for moving said member out of operative connection with said first mentioned means on a reversal of movement of said ribbon.

22. In a printin device, the combination of an impression evice with a ribbon for enga ement with said impression device, a

a reel or receiving said ribbon, an inkin device for supplying minute quantities o ink to spaced polnts on said ribbon, said inking dev1ce bein located to that part of said ribbon being ed to said reel, and means controlled by the direction of movement of said ribbon to automatically actuate said inking device.

In testimony whereof we afiix our signatures at 10 So. La Salle St. EM1L O. EGKLAND. WALTER H. YOUNG. 

